The Linn County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report from a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle in rural Scio, Sept. 14.
According to a press release, although Linn County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report, the Oregon State Police were able to locate the vehicle on Shimanek Bridge Drive off of Richardson Gap. Upon arrival officers found the driver to be an armed individual.
Despite repeated requests and commands the suspect refused to comply with officers. During the standoff, the suspect discharged his firearm. This led to the deployment of the Linn County Regional SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team. Investigators engaged with the suspect by phone in an attempt to peacefully resolve the situation.
After failed attempts, the SWAT team engaged with the armed suspect and ultimately shot him. The suspect David Tobias Tyler, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured in this incident.
The Linn County Regional SWAT Team is a multi-agency unit consisting of personnel from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department. The SWAT Team Member who discharged their firearm is employed by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office according to the press release.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Oregon State Police and the Linn County District Attorney’s Office following agency policy and in accordance with deadly force protocols.
The pedestrian who was struck by the vehicle was transported with minor injuries.